In this month’s exclusive Breaking Bread interview, we get to know Hovis Ltd’s Concept Development Manager, Courtenay Jones
What do you like most about this industry?
I love that I get to do a job that allows me to be creative. Seeing the concept come to life on the shelf makes me feel proud of what I do.
What other job would you like to try and why?
Other than working in other areas of the baking industry, I’d like to experience being a historian. I find early modern history fascinating. So much happened that shaped our world today, so I’d like to understand it more.
What is your favourite type of baked good?
I love a good flaky croissant! I think it’s clever what some bakeries are doing with croissants at the moment. You have the cookie croissant, the giant croissants and the different shaped ones such as the cube, pinwheel & muffin. I actually dragged my boyfriend around London one day to do a “croissant crawl” to try them all!
Who did you admire growing up and why?
My nan & grandad. Growing up they had a few businesses and worked really hard to build and run them, but they always found time to be with family. When they retired, they travelled the world, and I thought that was amazing. They have so many stories.
How do you define success?
I’d define success as growing in my career while maintaining a work-life balance. If I’m learning, improving, and achieving my goals, whilst also having the space to spend time on my hobbies, friends & family outside of work, then I know I’m succeeding.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Anything to do with planning / organising – spreadsheets, lists & alarms! I use them in my personal life and in my work life. It’s a bit of a running joke with the number of alarms I have each day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped you?
During my first job in the UK 10 years ago, someone used to say to me “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”. I still use that today when I’m unsure about something. It’s made me more confident to ask questions that I’d usually be hesitant to ask, whether it’s asking for help or asking a supplier for a sample of an ingredient. I think the worse that they can say is no, and that’s okay.
If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be and why?
I’d love to be able to speak all languages! I grew up in France and wished that I could wake up one day and just speak the language fluently (it took me 4 years!). I’m trying to travel to as many places as possible and I would love to be able to speak the language everywhere I go.
Which part of your daily routine brings you the most joy?
I love reading, so after a fulfilling day at work, I enjoy relaxing with a good book or winding down with a TV series in the evening.
If you could invite one person – past or present – to dinner, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I love Tudor history; I find it intriguing. So, I’d invite Queen Elizabeth I to ask what it was like growing up with her father Henry VIII. I’d ask what she truly thought of him after what happened to her mother, and how that shaped her as a ruler herself.
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Joseph Clarke
Editor, International Bakery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
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